45
Ianto finally closed down the kitchens, satisfied that there was nothing else needed to be done before tomorrow's turkeys go in. The smell if the freshly baked hams filled the village with a yummy warm glow that made the now thickly falling snow covered land seem like it was in another place or time. People gathering in their living rooms for the evening of preparation and excitement, children heading for their screens.
"Good evening everyone" Walter's warm voice filled very house as every TV in the village tuned into their private H.J. Channel. Walter was dressed in his Piney gear and the kids all screamed with glee, even a few adults before caching themselves. Especially when Ianto and Jack stepped in beside him to begin the countdown.
They sang some carols that everyone else joined in with, anyone walking security that night warmed by the sound emanating from every house they passed singing loud enough to filter out into the otherwise silent streets. Then Jack settled to read The Night Before Christmas while the grandkids at his feet held up their pictures they had drawn for each scene. Hawk standing to proudly turn each page for his Daddy.
Ianto then settled to talk gently bout the coming days, the plans he had and the things they would all do. He spoke of a time of love, harmony and otherness. The true origins of Christmas as the Hoodlums believed it as the Winter Solstice and a time to worship the sun, then the coming of Christ and his birthday falling in the same time as Yuletide.
He said as the date was the 22nd for the solstice this is why everyone had the cool new clothing on that day, the mittens and hats all the children in the village got were to signify the warmth of the sun. The good food that night had been to warm their bellies and this is why they all lit candles that night, so the flames could signify the sun. Some kids knew this, some did not but they all drank it in, and the fact Ianto said that there was a worldwide belief that Jesus Christ did walk the earth as a man. Why it is important to remember him, as we must remember all those who came before us and remember to thank all the Gods we speak to in the times of need.
He finished off the sermon with a moment of silence before leaning forward in the chair and saying softly "I know Valhalla exists. Heaven. Nirvana. For here on earth we have Shangri La…. A little slice we have here as the closest we can come to perfection. I love you all, keep you all in my heart and prayers and come the morn, I will eagerly await the breaking of bread with you as we share in our life together."
An entire village echoed his last word with reverence.
Amen.
.
.
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And now I have to break as this is where Captain Kitty Hawk's Christmas Adventure must begin. As requested by my lovely friend Snowdropsunshine xxx This is her Christmas Gift Story she requested… buckle up… this is one crazy Kat!
This story will resume next week after I have finished posting the CKH Christmas special. xxxxx